What To Know
- The membrane switches on the K55 Pro provide a comfortable and responsive feel, while the mechanical switches on the Pro XT deliver a more tactile and precise experience.
- The K55 Pro is a great choice for gamers who prefer a quiet and soft typing experience, while the Pro XT is ideal for those who desire a more tactile and responsive feel.
- Yes, the K55 Pro utilizes membrane switches, which offer a softer and quieter typing experience compared to the mechanical switches on the Pro XT.
In the realm of gaming peripherals, Corsair stands out as a reputable brand known for its high-quality products. The Corsair K55 Pro and K55 Pro XT are two budget-friendly gaming keyboards that have garnered significant attention in the market. While both keyboards share some similarities, they also have distinct features that cater to different preferences. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key differences between the Corsair K55 Pro and Pro XT, helping you make an informed decision based on your specific needs and preferences.
Build Quality and Design
Both the K55 Pro and Pro XT feature a durable plastic construction that is built to withstand the rigors of intense gaming sessions. However, the Pro XT has a slightly more premium feel due to its brushed aluminum top plate. This adds an extra touch of elegance and durability to the keyboard.
Key Switches
The K55 Pro and Pro XT utilize different key switch technologies. The K55 Pro employs membrane switches, which offer a soft and quiet typing experience. Membrane switches are known for their low actuation force, making them ideal for gamers who prefer a lighter touch.
On the other hand, the Pro XT is equipped with mechanical key switches that provide a tactile and responsive typing experience. Mechanical switches come in various types, each with its own unique feel and characteristics. The Pro XT utilizes Cherry MX Red switches, which are linear and offer a smooth, consistent actuation.
RGB Lighting
RGB lighting has become an integral part of gaming peripherals, and both the K55 Pro and Pro XT offer customizable RGB illumination. The K55 Pro features six dedicated lighting zones, while the Pro XT boasts per-key RGB lighting. This allows for more intricate and personalized lighting effects on the Pro XT.
Macro Keys and Multimedia Controls
The K55 Pro and Pro XT both come with six dedicated macro keys, enabling you to program complex actions and macros for quick and easy execution. Additionally, both keyboards feature dedicated multimedia controls, allowing you to conveniently adjust volume, pause or play music, and skip tracks without interrupting your gameplay.
Wrist Rest
The Corsair K55 Pro XT comes with a detachable wrist rest that provides additional support and comfort during extended gaming sessions. The wrist rest is made of soft memory foam and is covered in a breathable fabric, ensuring a comfortable and ergonomic typing experience.
Software and Customization
Corsair’s iCUE software provides comprehensive customization options for both the K55 Pro and Pro XT. You can remap keys, create macros, adjust RGB lighting effects, and monitor performance metrics through the software. The Pro XT has a slight advantage in terms of software customization, as it allows for more granular control over RGB lighting and macro programming.
Gaming Performance
Both the Corsair K55 Pro and Pro XT offer a solid gaming experience. The membrane switches on the K55 Pro provide a comfortable and responsive feel, while the mechanical switches on the Pro XT deliver a more tactile and precise experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on your personal preferences and the type of games you play.
Takeaways: Deciding the Victor
The Corsair K55 Pro and Pro XT are both excellent gaming keyboards that offer a range of features and customization options at affordable prices. The K55 Pro is a great choice for gamers who prefer a quiet and soft typing experience, while the Pro XT is ideal for those who desire a more tactile and responsive feel. The ultimate decision depends on your individual preferences and requirements.
Basics You Wanted To Know
Q: Which keyboard has better RGB lighting?
A: The Corsair K55 Pro XT features per-key RGB lighting, providing more customization and intricate lighting effects than the K55 Pro.
Q: Is the K55 Pro quieter than the Pro XT?
A: Yes, the K55 Pro utilizes membrane switches, which offer a softer and quieter typing experience compared to the mechanical switches on the Pro XT.
Q: Does the Pro XT come with a wrist rest?
A: Yes, the Corsair K55 Pro XT includes a detachable wrist rest that provides additional support and comfort during extended gaming sessions.
Q: Which keyboard has more macro keys?
A: Both the K55 Pro and Pro XT feature six dedicated macro keys, allowing you to program complex actions and macros for quick and easy execution.
Q: Can I customize the RGB lighting on both keyboards?
A: Yes, both the K55 Pro and Pro XT offer customizable RGB lighting through Corsair’s iCUE software, allowing you to create personalized lighting effects and patterns.
